The 50 Greatest Hawai'i Albums

HONOLULU Magazine's acclaimed music poll has been expanded into a lavish book of record of Hawaiian entertainment. Writers Ronna Bolante and Michael Keany spent countless hours with artists and record producers to get the real stories behind the music: Kui Lee tells Don Ho of his diagnosis with cancer, then plays him a new song—“I’ll Remember You.” Unable to sleep, Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole calls his producer and records “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” in the middle of the night. Marlene Sai records Kainoa in the city bus car barn, and Gabby Pahinui finagles a photo shoot on Rabbit Island.

Through these and other anecdotes, authors Bolante and Keany tell the fascinating tale of Hawai‘i’s recording industry—from Honolulu City Lights to Kawaipunahele, from Poi Dog to Guava Jam.

Winner, 2005 Hawaii Book Publishers Association Ka Palapala Po‘okela Book Award, Excellence in Special-Interest Books.

Hardcover w/ dustjacket; 152 pp.
Authors: Ronna Bolante and Michael Keany
Release Date: December 2004